Cockles, New Zealand

New Zealand Cockles are a fast growing species of shellfish found in harbors and estuaries throughout the country. Most populations have a healthy abundance.

New Zealand Cockles are mostly collected by hand picking, which causes little habitat damage and results in low levels of bycatch. In some areas, their habitat has been negatively affected by increased sedimentation, urban development and industrial contamination. While they can recolonize an area after a disturbance, the success of recolonization varies greatly between locations.